The Herbert Hoover Presidential Library Association has announced the selection of Jerry Fleagle to assume the duties of Executive Director of the Association.

"It was very important to the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library Association to have the input of the major stakeholders in this decision, those being The Association, The Hoover Family, The Herbert Hoover Presidential Library & Museum, The Herbert Hoover National Historic Site, and The City of West Branch," according to Herbert Hoover Presidential Library Association President, Charlie Becker. "Each of these entities played a key role in the interview process and each found Jerry Fleagle to be the exceptional candidate," according to Becker.

"Jerry Fleagle is a proven association executive with a track record of delivering successful membership, financial management, and public awareness programs with outstanding results. Jerry is skilled at relationship building, as well as collaborating with members, staff and other stakeholders to accomplish Herbert Hoover Presidential Library Association (HHPLA) goals. In particular, as a native of West Branch and having managed the grocery store on Main Street West Branch early in his career he brings an understanding of how HHPLA, the Library-Museum, the Historic Site, the Hoover family and the West Branch community can interact, work, and grow together. He will bring the energy and experience that will not only make an impact on HHPLA, but the entire community," according to Becker.

"Fleagle previously led the Iowa Grocery Industry Association, Iowa’s largest state association representing the food and c-store industry, for 14+ years, by creating member value by improving programs, increasing visibility, and driving an organization with vision and a results-focused approach to the association. Of particular note at the Iowa Grocery Industry Association (IGIA), Fleagle emphasized building relationships first, resulting in consistent recruitment of new members, as well as strong member retention. He grew total membership year after year for 14 consecutive years. Fleagle also served as the lead spokesperson and advocate for the food industry in Iowa on public policy positions while at IGIA," said Becker.

During his tenure at IGIA, Fleagle was one of just a handful of state food association executives to ever receive all three of the food industry’s national awards.

“Fleagle obtained his Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation in 2004, the same year he graduated from the Institute of Organizational Management (IOM), a program held over four years, and conducted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce at the University of Notre Dame, to earn his IOM designation. He also concurrently managed the Iowa Grocers Education Foundation while at IGIA, helping lead efforts that raised hundreds of thousands of dollars that funded over 900 college scholarships during his tenure,” said Becker.

Jerry Fleagle said "he is thrilled at the opportunity to come back to West Branch as Executive Director of the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library Association! The West Branch community has always been near and dear to my heart, and the opportunity to come back is a 'dream come true'!" He went on to say, "the patience and grace the people of West Branch granted me growing up is something I have never forgotten. And they taught me a work ethic that was developed early in my career managing the Jack & Jill grocery store in West Branch, where I learned hard work was the shortcut to success."

When asked about Herbert Hoover, Fleagle said, "I really look forward to helping make Herbert Hoover’s legacy better known state-wide, nation-wide, and around the world. President Hoover was an 'Uncommon Man', and a great humanitarian. To be a part of the team to help tell the story is an honor!"

Fleagle added, "the more I looked into the HHPLA Executive Director position, the more interested I got. To use previous work experiences, and be around a love of American History that oozes out of the Library-Museum, and then get a chance to 'come home' was too good to pass up!"

"Frankly, I think I have an opportunity to make an impact of furthering President Hoover’s story, and making a positive impact in the West Branch community by getting a chance to work with the great leadership at the Hoover Association, the Library-Museum, Historic Site, and City and School leaders. And I want to thank the Association Board of Trustees for giving me the opportunity,” said Fleagle.

Jerry and his wife, Linda, of nearly 30 years, met in the West Branch/Iowa City area and have three sons, Mark, Scott, and Michael, all starting their careers in the Des Moines area.